#125 One Photographers Not-So-Tiny Dream - ~ with Mandy Lea

The Podcast Crew is lucky. We’re lucky that we get to meet, and interview, and promote people who are re-defining the American Dream. We’re lucky that we get to inspire our listeners with the stories of creative and amazing people who have taken control of their lives, who define success on their own terms, and who shun other’s ideas of what “normal” is. And, our teardrop travelling guest this week is no exception. After a long bout of depression, Many Lea found the motivation to change her life doing a simple thing that you yourself have, no doubt, also done. What was it? What inspired her to change her life from that of a bored retail employee, to a brave and creative adventurer? If you’ve had the opportunity to attend one of the recent tiny house festivals you have likely seen her; leather strapped with two cameras, looking for an opportunity to capture this unique movement in living color. If you’ve spent much time on social media, searching for tiny houses, you have no doubt seen her images. Aside from her contribution to the tiny house movement, however; she is also an avid climber, simple life advocate, and lover of all things travel related. This week’s episode is special, as is Mandy, and reminds us once again that life is what you make it and our memories are the best images of who we are, and how we got there.
www.mandyleaphoto.com

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#124 From Child Actor to Tiny House TV Host ~ with John Weisbarth

There are some who think the television shows that feature tiny houses have “ruined” the tiny house movement, inspiring so many to build bigger than they can afford; or need. In reality, however, the TV shows have done more to mainstream tiny houses than any other medium could. They inspire millions and have given golden opportunities to some of our favorite builders. This week we’re interviewing the man leading the charge on the longest running tiny house TV show, John Weisbarth; Host of Tiny House Nation. If you’re a fan, we know you’ll want to listen in this week to hear him share his story about how he became a child actor, how he developed his passion for sports, when he found his calling, his perspective on tiny houses, and his tear filled appreciation for his wife’s support. We’re glad that he finally got the opportunity to join his fans at the Jamboree in Texas, and we know you’ll be glad to know that this STAR OF THE SHOW is as down to earth as one can possibly get. And if you’re not a fan, you will be now! We were really hoping that the man we see on TV is also a nice guy in “real life” and the Podcast Crew is happy to report…yes…yes he is.

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#123 The Evolution of Kasita ~ with Jeff Wilson

Remember the guy who sat by the side of the road, clipping his nails, during our podcast interview? Remember the guy who lived in a dumpster for a year and is actually proud to call himself “Professor Dumpster”? We certainly do and following our first interview with Jeff Wilson, he invited us to “look him up” if we were ever in Austin, Texas. So, Michelle did. And, following her recent visit, she knew she must invite him back to tell the next chapter of the story that is Kasita. Whatever happened to his vision, to his original ideas? Admittedly, Michelle isn’t a high tech junkie, but after having stayed in a tiny house outfitted with the best technology money can buy, she might just convert. How well did the technology contribute to her comfy home away from home? And, what’s next for Jeff and his company that, by comparison, appears to be all grown up now? Tune in this week to find out! Or, better yet, invest in his vision! (I know he won’t mind the shameless plug.)
www.kasita.com

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#122 Nomad by Heredity With Dominique Moody

Dominique Moody is iconic as her art. Her art is iconic as her tiny house. That’s because her tiny house IS art. And her Home. With more than a thousand years of family heritage behind her work as an artist and her mobile home The Nomad it was inevitable there would be more stories than we could cover in an hour. From Germany to the US South and beyond Dominique’s life has been - and continues to be - a living artistic expression of family, meaning, deeply-held connections between Home and objects that represent that. Her’s is an outlier among tiny house stories. Listen
https://www.kcet.org/shows/artbound/dominique-moody-the-urban-nomad

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#121 Easy Dwellers Built and Delivered with PDX Style ~ with Patrick Quinton

As the tiny house movement grows, so do the opportunities. Tiny houses are now being embraced not only as affordable housing for the masses, but as rolling platforms for corporate brands, and a very impressive source of short term rental income. This week, however, we’ll be discussing a whole new spin in the tiny house concept. If you live in the Portland area, have a large lot, are considering adding an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) but don’t have the patience for dealing with contractors and building your own, you’ll want to tune in for sure! Our guest, Patrick, will be walking us through the basics of the behind the scenes workings of his start up that is devoted to adding easy and affordable housing options. They’ll build an ADU, deliver it to your backyard, manage your tenants, and provide a new source of income. However, even if you don’t live in Portland, we know you’ll be interested in hearing about the progress that is being made, citywide, towards the acceptance and legality of tiny houses and the implications for tiny houses everywhere!
www.dweller.com

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#120 If You’re Not Excited, You’re Not Paying Enough Attention ~ with Andrew Morrison

Last year at the Tiny House Jamboree, Michelle’s introduction of Andrew Morrison to the stage literally brought tears to her eyes. (and yes, it’s on video and quite embarrassing) This week, Andrew’s story of how his dedication to the tiny house movement has spurred true change, may just have that effect on you too! (our words, not his) It is hard to find unique words to describe our affection for his work but in a nutshell, we don’t know of two more hard-working advocates than Andrew and his lovely wife, Gabriella. So, what exactly IS Appendix “Q”? What does it mean for you, a tiny house enthusiast who just wants them to be legal so you can build one, secure in the knowledge that you did it “right”? Should we all strive for an air tight house? And, what about all the nightmare stories of terrible tiny house builders? Grab a pen, this is show worth taking notes from!
www.tinyhousebuild.com

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#125 One Photographers Not-So-Tiny Dream - ~ with Mandy Lea

The Podcast Crew is lucky. We’re lucky that we get to meet, and interview, and promote people who are re-defining the American Dream. We’re lucky that we get to inspire our listeners with the stories of creative and amazing people who have taken control of their lives, who define success on their own terms, and who shun other’s ideas of what “normal” is. And, our teardrop travelling guest this week is no exception. After a long bout of depression, Many Lea found the motivation to change her life doing a simple thing that you yourself have, no doubt, also done. What was it? What inspired her to change her life from that of a bored retail employee, to a brave and creative adventurer? If you’ve had the opportunity to attend one of the recent tiny house festivals you have likely seen her; leather strapped with two cameras, looking for an opportunity to capture this unique movement in living color. If you’ve spent much time on social media, searching for tiny houses, you have no doubt seen her images. Aside from her contribution to the tiny house movement, however; she is also an avid climber, simple life advocate, and lover of all things travel related. This week’s episode is special, as is Mandy, and reminds us once again that life is what you make it and our memories are the best images of who we are, and how we got there.
www.mandyleaphoto.com

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#119 Ladies and Gentlemen…The One…The Only…Pete Nelson!

If you’re a fan of the TV show “Tree House Masters” or you fondly recall your childhood days hoarding scrap pieces of lumber to build a fort or a tree house, you’ll be almost as enamored with our guest this week as Michelle is. Pete Nelson is the proud and ecstatic patriarch of a treetop dwelling empire of craftsmen and family members who have built over 300 tree houses; and they’re not stopping there! In fact we’re pretty sure that he doesn’t even seem to know the meaning of the word “STOP”. Case in Point: This week he took time off of TWO simultaneous builds to chat with us about his inspiration, his dedication, and lifelong pursuit of design perfection in the tree house industry. No more nailing 2x6’s to trees, his floating tiny houses sit atop pretty impressive pieces of technological genius. If you’ve ever wanted to be inspired by a tiny house that’s 30 feet above ground and welcomes squirrels as neighbors, we dedicate this show to YOU! And, Pete, if you’re reading this. Thank you, again, and a million times. We are thankful and inspired and entertained and all want to be just like you when we grow up. If we ever grow up that is.. #inspiredbypeterpan
https://www.nelsontreehouseandsupply.com/

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#118 The True How-To-Duo ~ with Kiva and Jake

If you’re thinking to yourself “Where are all the How-To-Build-A-Tiny-House videos on YouTube!?” Or, on a grander scale, wondering how you’ll conquer the learning curve of building your own; wonder no more! While this week’s interview won’t fill your dying need of know how to secure your subfloor to your trailer, after hearing our guests story you’ll have a great place to start! You see, Kiva and Jake started right where you are; Square One. And they’re still building, and filming, and teaching us a step at a time so we don’t make the same mistakes they did. Michelle has been their fan from day one, and it’s not just because their tiny house and hers share the same moniker. It’s because this young couple shows us, once again, the meaning of “Let’s DO this!”
https://www.tinynestproject.com/

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#117 The Beginning of Infinity ~ with Kirsten Dirksen

If you’re a fan of small spaces, and YouTube, our guest this week likely requires no introduction. After over 800 videos, her success and advocacy certainly speaks for itself. If you’re a fan of women who do it all, creatively, you’ll want to tune in his week to hear Kirsten Dirksen talk about her favorite pastime of making videos, and the opportunities that her semi-nomadic lifestyle brings.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDsElQQt_gCZ9LgnW-7v-cQ

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#116 Mega-Star Dylan Magaster

As I sit, writing this, Dylan Magaster is sitting on a mountainside filming yet another video of a tiny house builder and occupant; documenting their story of why they’ve gone tiny and what’s next for their life. If you love stories about tenacity and optimism fueled by youth, tune in this week to hear how this young YouTube sensation proves once again that there cannot be failure if one only fails to stop trying. We were lucky to catch our guest this week while he was in town for a recent festival and there, even the downpours didn’t stop his fans from clustering under tents to be inspired by his independence and creative vision. What this 24 year old lacks in experience, he more than makes up for in quiet pursuit of a career unencumbered by traditional norms. Watch and listen closely because, no doubt, you’ll be someday thinking that you’ve seen and heard this SUPER STAR somewhere before!
https://www.youtube.com/user/Dylanmagaster

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#115 Journeying Onward with Guillame Dutilh

Ladies and Gentlemen! This week we are proud to present our first SHOUT OUT podcast interview! (Hey! Maybe we should do this more often?) And, what’s the lesson we’ve learned? You (our audience) should be listening to every episode because you never know if we’re going to invite you to be a part of our podcast DURING a podcast. (Just like we did for this week’s guest) In any case, we’re super proud that we finally captured the time and attention of a long time tiny house traveler, Guillame. After hearing Jenna tell the stories of their travels and building their famous tiny house on wheels, this photographer-turned-tiny-house-enthusiast was happy to share his side of the less-than-salacious story. And, hold your hats….he’s recently purchased a van and is planning his future travels in an even smaller vehicle!? This story is technically Part 2 of 2 of their joint story, but definitely Part 1 of his own journey in pursuit of his passion as a photographer. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. Tiny houses aren’t for everyone and, like relationships, sometimes they’re not forever; but they can be a valuable tool into reaching one's dreams of living a life full of new love, new adventures, and yes….even new journeys.

www.photoxplorer.com

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#114 Hurricanes, Floods, Fires, and Tipped Tiny Houses with Martin Burlingame

This week’s episode is, we guarantee, the MOST fun you’ll ever have listening to a conversation about insurance. Seriously! Even we were surprised to learn that our guest this week, Martin Burlingame, not only takes the subject of tiny house insurance VERY seriously but approaches his job with humor and wit that is no-doubt unsurpassed in his predictably-dry industry. Setting aside the less-than-formal format, for this week’s episode Michelle came armed with so…many…questions. How much does it cost to insure a tiny house? Does tiny house insurance include coverage when it’s being moved? How difficult is it to get insurance for a tiny house that was not built by a professional? What states in the US have readily available insurance for the tiny house masses, and more importantly, what states are still lacking? Do build pictures hurt, or help, your chances of getting tiny house insurance? What happened to all of the tiny houses in Texas and Florida that were recently hit by hurricanes? If you don’t know, listen in this week to the most entertaining “research” you’ll do all week. We promise!

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#113 From New Zealand to A Whole New Tiny World with Bryce Langston

Drum Roll Please!!! For this week’s episode Michelle is THRILLED to have finally lassoed our guest; Actor, Traveler, Videographer, and Internet Star; Bryce Langston. After meeting him in North Carolina and experiencing her first bout of nervous dry mouth on stage, she wanted another chance to ensure this tiny house advocate on wheels got a “proper” interview. What started as Bryce’s passing interest in permaculture, became a full time obsession, that then turned into a still-in-progress trip around the world to prove that the rewards of living tiny are more than worth the sacrifice. And while his own tiny house remains still under construction, we think the fun and lesson-filled stories are most definitely worth the sacrifice he makes for us all. And, by the way ladies, yes…this guy is as dreamy in person as his accent implies. So, where is he headed to next? You’ll have to tune in this week, to find out!

http://www.livingbiginatinyhouse.com/

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#112 Music, Travel, and Tiny Houses with Coles Whalen

For so many, tiny houses are more than just a home; they’re a tool that allows their occupants to live a fulfilled and creative life. This week we’re chatting with Coles Whalen, who is instead using her love of tiny houses to support her true passion; music. If you have attended the Tiny House Jamboree in years past, or one the Tiny House Living Festivals this year, you have no doubt met this Colorado native who is now enjoying riding the tiny-house wave of popularity. Armed with experience as an event coordinator, and connected in the industry like few others are, Coles is a force to be reckoned with. She has been, and remains, front and center, continuing to push the notion that tiny houses and schoolies and van conversions are more than just four-wheels-to-call-your-own.

http://www.tinyhouselivingfestival.com/

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#111 Sharpening Iron Against Iron with Tyson, Zach, and Jason

Fame is a fickle mistress and while the team at Tiny Heirloom is enjoying the spoils of their decisions which have rocketed them to the top of the HGTV viewing stats, they are also facing challenges that few other tiny house builders ever have to. In this week’s episode we have “the guys”; the hammer yielding family centric team that creates and leads and lives and builds Heirlooms, side by side. True to their young-forms, they focused early and heavily on social media and after their first build went truly “viral” they hunkered down, focusing both on the tasks of keeping the wheels on the tiny houses while also building made-for-TV tiny houses whose six-figure-price-point was unmatched in the market. Now after learning from the criticism that has come from leading in an unfamiliar territory, they’re crafting a future which includes more affordable tiny house options. What makes them tick? Who is the leader, who is the follower, and who is the creative genius on this team? Is this company the same after the cameras are turned off, as they are in front of millions of their fans? If you’re a fan of Tiny Luxury, we know you’ll be glued to your podcast player and you won’t even have to write a six-figure check to get the low-down and learn from this dynamic trio.

http://www.tinyheirloom.com/

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#110 Pushing the Envelope of Innovation and Boundaries - with Ryan Donato

Often, I (Michelle) have to work pretty hard to write this; the introduction copy for a podcast episode. It’s not because our guests aren’t awesome; it’s because finding the unique words to explain just HOW awesome they are, can often be a creative challenge. So, as you might imagine my workflow includes perusing the guest’s website for additional fun clues into their particular brand of awesome. And, I gotta’ admit, this week’s introduction literally wrote itself. Within a few seconds of clicking on their homepage a chat window opened up accompanied with a loud “BING” noise!!
Chat Window: “Hello! Is there anything I can help you with today?”
Me: “Wow. There’s actually someone on the other end of this website on a Sunday afternoon?”
Chat Window: “How can I help you?”
Me: “This is Michelle from the Tiny House Podcast just perusing their website and writing the introduction copy for their upcoming episode. I don’t need any help really. (Unless you want to write it for me? 300 words about how awesome they are! LOL!)
Chat Window: “Gotcha! This is Ryan’s business partner, Jeremy. I’ve met you before, briefly, over the phone.”….

We then chatted for a few more minutes, until I insisted that he return to his day-off-relaxation-time.
At this point I could write a thousand words about how innovative, amazing, beautiful and well built Tiny innovations’ houses are. However, I don’t know about you but there is nothing more impressive, or innovative, than the CO-OWNER of a new tiny house building company answering a random internet chat window “BING” late on a Sunday evening.
http://innovatetiny.com/about/

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#109 Trees Company - with Michael Garnier

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#108 Peace Pods, Love, Design, and Harmony - with Vivian Dantche

The explosive growth of the simple-and-intentional-living movement has created opportunity for so many companies and nowhere is that more evident than with Eagle Log Cabins. This week, our chat with Vivian reminds us all that a healthy living environment leads to a healthy life. And, that a quiet and purposefully built structure leads to a purpose focused life. But the cabins that she and her partner Thomas design build are far from your Grandpa’s damp and dusty old box-like house in the woods. The woods used in their building, which range from private retreat pods, to huge living quarters, is harvested in the Nordic Regions and imported to Vashon Island WA. Their cabins are both lovely, and liveable, and worth taking a look at; even if you have your eyes on a tiny house on wheels. You know why!? They build those too!
http://www.eaglelogcabins.com/

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#107 It’s a Bird, it’s a Plane, it’s a Super House Made of Steel – with Marc McQuain

For some of us, our journey into the world of tiny houses takes many turns. But this week, our guest’s tiny house story begins on the other side of the world. What started as a business venture in the bustling city of Abu Dhabi eventually led this entrepreneur back to Austin Texas where he now builds tiny house frames from cold form steel. Here on the podcast we’ve talked about Pocket Living, and Pocket Neighborhoods; but this week we’re talking about a Pocket Shop. This idea which blends small retail stores, easily and quickly amongst their more bustling cousins, led to the creation of the Volstrukt steel framed tiny house which now leads the way in the super-light-weight-tiny-house race. And, believe it or not, their first showing was right here in Portland, Oregon where their revolutionary creation met with somewhat blank stares from the local tree huggers. Not deterred, they partnered with a couple of tiny house builders to prove their theory and the rest is cold, hard, steely, profitable, and growing history. While you may never consider what it takes to build a tiny house from anything other than what you can buy at the lumber store, this week’s interview teaches us all lessons about perseverance, creative drive, and passion. And those, folks, are the makings of a great tiny house builder; no matter the choice of materials.

http://www.volstrukt.com/tinyhouse

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#106 Quack, Roar, Bark, and Baaaahhhhh - with Stephanie Arne and Tim Davison

Everywhere you look, nowadays, there is a tiny house! In addition to their cute-as-a-KITTEN looks, their somewhat recent rise to stardom causes a BUZZ wherever they go! So much so that more than just simple-life-enthusiasts are now joining the HERD. Now, even the ANIMALS are starting to get in on the action…..well…….the Creative ANIMAL Foundation that is. Even if the only animal you love is your DOG or BIRD, you should listen in to this week’s interview with Stephanie and Tim, the passionate duo who is using their tiny house on wheels to promote animal welfare, and spread awareness about what us human-animals can do to save them and protect their environment. And, Stephanie knows a thing or two about ANIMALS. As a seasoned WILDLIFE educator and the Host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, Stephanie knows first-hand about non-sustainable human practices and how they impact ecosystems and the species they support. Also joining the PACK this week is Tim; a WILDLIFE artist, educator, and filmmaker; who’s gained plenty of experience as an “on-the-road” speaker long before hitting the sustainability trail with The Creative ANIMAL Tour. In addition to working with zoos, he’s crisscrossed the United States accompanied by wild-ANIMAL ambassadors and spoke to over a million people while giving conservation-based programs at SCHOOLS nationwide. From our FISH friends to our FEATHERED ones, they need our help. So don’t SLITHER away, this week’s interview is a real HOOT!

http://www.creativeanimal.org/the-creative-animal-tiny-house-tour/

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#105 Hugging Trees and Editing Lives with Graham Hill

What started as a tiny apartment experiment in 2009 turned into the internet explosion that is now TreeHugger and LifeEdited. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have no doubt been impressed and influenced by the ideas, architecture, products and tips from this week’s guest. Spurred on by the same economic and environmental issues as the tiny house movement has been, the concepts of living simply have gained impressive traction in the mainstream press, leaving product manufacturers, architects, and builders; stunned and scrambling to catch up. Even if you can afford a 10,000 square foot mansion with a view, should you? Life is about so much more than what we have and Graham Hill embodies this concept in everything he does. You will truly miss out if you don’t tune in to this rare interview with a true King of All Things Edited. So stop what you’re doing, listen in; and be inspired by his vision, his story, his travels, and his energy.
http://lifeedited.com/

https://www.treehugger.com/

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#104 A Giant Journey from Sea to Shining Sea with Jenna Spesard

A typical tiny house will only be moved a few times in its lifetime. Jenna Spesard, however, built hers with the intent of hauling it more miles than even a typical RV. As such, you can then imagine how THRILLED we were to finally catch Jenna between trips and have her in the studio for this week’s interview. Even if her original plan started with a partner, the change in their relationship didn’t dampen her enthusiasm for tiny houses, traveling, or advocating for living simply. Of all the tiny house people we have chatted with, Jenna is one of the most impressive. This is a lady who knows how to not let anything get in the way of living life on her own terms. She has been from Maine, to California, to Alaska, in her tiny house; and everywhere in between. These days, while she doesn’t have her tiny house in tow, she still travels; only now her destinations include exotic foreign countries and far reaching corners of sparsely traveled back roads. This woman is brave, driven, and passionate. This tiny-yet-fierce female is truly amazing and we know you’ll enjoy listening in to hear where she’s headed next on her Giant Journey.

http://tinyhousegiantjourney.com/

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#103 There’s Nothing Tiny About What Faith Can Do – with Reverend Fowler

While we have talked, more than a few times, about the concept of using tiny houses to help our homeless and disadvantaged citizens, today’s interview with Reverend Fowler is by far the most inspiring conversation we have had, to date. (Michelle even cried.) Most homeless communities focus on transition housing but the Cass Community Social Services program in Detroit provides a guaranteed inroad to tiny home OWNERSHIP! And these aren’t cookie cutter houses. Each one is as different as the challenges their occupants face. Listen in this week to learn how Faith (our new hero’s name) helped to bring together private donors to overcome the lack of subsidized funds, how she motivated an entire city to support the CCS mission, and prompted millions of internet viewers to “like”, share, and follow the now-viral videos featuring the impressive results of their hard work.

https://casscommunity.org/tinyhomes/

And, as mentioned in today’s podcast, here is a link to a recent MSN article featuring Michelle’s “Empty Nest”. We’re so proud!

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/homeandproperty/how-i-built-my-dream-home-for-just-a-few-thousand-bucks/ss-BBBK16L?li=BBoPWjQ#image=1

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